Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh’s romantic drama, Gustaakh Ishq, made its theatrical debut on November 28. Directed by Vibhu Puri, the film transports viewers to the 1990s, weaving a narrative rich in poetry, nostalgia, and classic romance. However, its opening weekend was overshadowed by a significant box-office clash with Dhanush and Kriti Sanon’s much-anticipated film, Tere Ishk Mein. Early box office figures indicate a soft opening for Gustaakh Ishq, with reports suggesting an initial collection of approximately Rs 50 lakh on its first day. The overall occupancy for Hindi films hovered around 8.61%, highlighting the competitive market. Despite facing stiff competition, the film saw a slight uptick in attendance during the night shows, reaching an occupancy of 20.96%. Key markets demonstrating stronger engagement included Surat and Chennai, with occupancy rates of 23.50% and 21% respectively. Mumbai recorded 10.75% occupancy, while Delhi-NCR saw 8%. Globally, Gustaakh Ishq garnered an estimated Rs 60 lakh on its opening day. The film boasts an impressive technical team, featuring music by Vishal Bhardwaj, lyrics by Gulzar, sound design by Resul Pookutty, and cinematography by Manush Nandan. Alongside its lead actors, Naseeruddin Shah and Sharib Hashmi also feature in pivotal roles. This release also marks a significant milestone for Manish Malhotra, who ventures into film production, aiming to blend classic storytelling with modern filmmaking techniques.
